Meet Chen Zhao | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chen Zhao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chen, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
As a documentary-style photographer, one habit that to my success is always carrying a camera. Unlike fashion or commercial photography, documentary projects require me to always be ready to capture the moments I need. This habit allows me to seize spontaneous and authentic moments as they happen, ensuring I never miss an opportunity to tell a compelling story. For instance, while working on a project exploring the complex relationship between human progress and the natural environment, I stumbled upon a tree at a street corner bent over due to lack of maintenance. Having my camera with me allowed me to capture this fleeting moment. When I returned the next day, the tree had been straightened.

Photography is a powerful medium that excels at provoking thought rather than offering solutions. It captures those fleeting moments and overlooked scenes, gently posing questions to viewers and sparking reflection.

Also, maintaining a sense of curiosity is an excellent habit. This is not only beneficial for photography but is crucial for all arts-related fields. We often become accustomed to overlooking the familiar things around us, yet we understand these familiar elements precisely. Curiosity drives us to reconsider themes and concepts that might otherwise be dismissed as mundane, allowing artists to produce deeply resonant work. In a project on the concept of ‘family,’ I focused on my father’s extensive family, which includes nine siblings, some of whom hadn’t met in decades. Many might think there’s nothing new to photograph about familiar subjects, but I saw an opportunity to explore deeper. This project highlighted how the meaning of ‘family’ has evolved in today’s society, where the nuclear family has become the dominant model. Driven by curiosity, my photography was able to unveil profound insights about even the most familiar subjects.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art focuses on documentary photography. Unlike some popular forms of visual or abstract art, such as conceptual photography and surrealism, documentary photography requires more time and effort to complete a series, often resembling a form of ascetic practice. However, my passion and love for photography have kept me going. Navigating challenges is a routine part of my projects. Once in taking photos of the “Chinese Idle Land” project, for example, I had to pass through a garbage heap just to find a better angle for my photographs. Unlike painting, where artists often start with a blank canvas and bring a vision to life, documentary photography is more about shaping the world as the photographer sees it. Thus, enjoying the process of capturing becomes a central joy of documentary photography, as it transforms real-life moments into powerful narratives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Walking around Savannah is just awesome. The streets are lined with classic houses and everyone is super friendly. I especially love the coffee shop called Gallery Espresso. It’s full of classic furniture, and each chair there has its unique style—no two are alike! If you’re into nature, you should definitely check out Skidaway Island State Park. The trails are stunning, draped with Spanish moss, and you can spot alligators sunning themselves and lots of wild birds. It’s a fantastic way to get away from the city noise and enjoy some tranquility.h

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In discussing the influences on my work, I must po out to Susan Sontag, particularly her book, ‘On Photography.’ This book has shaped my understanding of the philosophical and sociological aspects of photography. Sontag’s insights into the role of photography in shaping society and the individual’s relationship with reality have deeply informed my approach to documentary photography. Her exploration of the ethical and aesthetic questions surrounding this art form has been invaluable in my development as a photographer.

Alongside Susan Sontag, I must also recognize Walter Benjamin and his essay, ‘The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.’ Benjamin’s analysis of how art changes under mechanical reproduction has deepened my understanding of photography. His thoughts on the transformation of art’s aura in the modern world have been crucial in shaping my approach to capturing and interpreting images in the context of contemporary society.

Website: https://www.chenzhaophoto.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zccc233/?hl=zh-cn